braid with non-levelwind
 

some of you must use it. i don't have a problem with thumb burn on the cast, i have a problem with cutting my thumb on the retrieve. when i'm leveling it, it tends to dig right in. any suggestions besides buying a levelwind or using mono? i used spiderwire, are the other braids a little easier? does a thicker diameter cut down on cuts? (is that right?) i won't spend any more money on testing until i find a solution. thanks all.

On a conventional non levelwind , I think the braid that's easiest on your thumb while leveling is Whiplash.

Spiderwire and Spectron are both truely braided making them very rough on the skin. I think the true braids like those are tougher line but I would only use them with a levelwind.

thanks. my buddy has some for me to try, we'll see how it goes. don't want a bad digit for the best time of year.

I think fireline may be easier on you since it is a bit thicker.